Start your own blog with help from Libraries NI

  • A free blogging event is taking place today at Finaghy library in Belfast, which aims to teach and inspire attendees about the world of blogging.

    Part of the Libraries NI #GetBloggingNI tour, today’s event will hear from vlogger Michelle Connolly and blogger Jill McDowell. It is one in a series happening across Northern Ireland in 2019 and 2020.

    Michelle is the founder of Belfast-based LearningMole, an educational blog for parents, teachers and children that has over 1.8m collective views on YouTube. Being a parent of three with 15 years teaching experience, Michelle has used her blog to reach parents in over 166 countries.

    She said: “I started blogging while I was a primary school teacher. Parents often asked me to support them as the education system has changed so much. I wanted to support parents across the globe and blogging seemed the most natural way to do this. Blogging has been such a rewarding experience for me both on a personal and business level. I have forged partnerships across the globe in China and have worked on many government contracts.”

    Jill McDowell founded her blog, ‘Home at Rose Cottage’ which began when renovating her grandparent’s home. She began posting photos of her journey on Instagram and it soon gained popularity.

    RELATED: Learn how to start a blog at free Newry event

    Jill attended a six-week blogging course over a year ago and said, “I never ever thought I would be the one at the front encouraging others to start their blogging journey. Blogging has opened up another world for me and it can do the same for others too. Confidence building, exercising your creativity and promoting positive mental health are only a few of the benefits it can have.”

    Blogger Jill McDowell 

    Chartered Marketer Christine Watson of Training Matchmaker is facilitating the session, which is being hosted by journalist and content creator, Tina Calder of the Content Club and Excalibur Press.

    Christine added that “in recent years there has been a surge in interest in blogging, vlogging and podcasting across Northern Ireland. It’s a fantastic way to connect with like-minded people, immerse yourself in your passions, keep your mind healthy and active and is an excellent excuse to get out and about and use your local library”.

    The event at Finaghy Library is part of the on-going Libraries NI #GetBloggingNI series which will run into 2020 across Northern Ireland. Previous events in the series included ‘Blogging Inspiration’ sessions, a six-week ‘Get Blogging Course’ and five ‘Blogging for Wellness’ road shows.

    RELATED: Libraries NI showcases Blogging Inspiration Event

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